Odisha govt to drop charges against Abhijit Iyer Mitra

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided not to accord sanction to prosecute defence analyst Abhijit Iyer Mitra in certain criminal cases.

It also decided to take steps to withdraw other criminal cases pending against him.

The government took the decision 41 days after Abhijit was arrested on charges of hurting sentiments of people of the state.

“Taking into account his representation, the government have decided not to accord sanction of prosecution in cases where prosecution has been sought for and also decided to take steps to withdraw other cases pending against him by following laid-down procedures,” said a statement from Home department.

Last month, Abhijit had written to chief secretary to consider withholding sanction to prosecute him in certain criminal cases pending against him.

He had also appealed to accept his ‘appology and contrition’ in having wounded the sentiments of people of Odisha without intention.

The Commissionerate Police had arrested Abhijit for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Konark Sun Temple, Odisha’s culture and its people.